--pat--hit's a-comin' up-stairs! Den he hear de
latch, en he know it's in de room!

Den pooty soon he know it's a-stannir,' by de
bed! (Pause.) Den--he know it's a-bendin' down
over him--en he cain't skasely git his breath! Den--
den--he seem to feel someth'n' c-o-l-d, right down
'most agin his head! (Pause.)

Den de voice say, right at his year--"W-h-o--
g-o-t--m-y--g-o-l-d-e-n arm?" (You must wail
it out very plaintively and accusingly; then you
stare steadily and impressively into the face of the
farthest-gone auditor--a girl, preferably--and let
that awe-inspiring pause begin to build itself in the
deep hush. When it has reached exactly the right
length, jump suddenly at that girl and yell, "You've
got it!"

If you've got the pause right, she'll fetch a dear
little yelp and spring right out of her shoes. But
you must get the pause right; and you will find it
the most troublesome and aggravating and uncertain
thing you ever undertook.

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